Valesa Cultural Services - Spain, Portugal, France & Morocco

14/11/2024

𝗧𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 | 𝗣𝗨𝗠𝗣𝗞𝗜𝗡 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 - 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗛 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗣𝗘𝗦
Fall is pumpkin season, not only in the US but in Spain as well! This versatile vegetable has been cultivated in Spain for centuries and plays an important role in the country’s gastronomy. Most pumpkins in Spain are grown in the region of Valencia, where they make plenty of delicious sweets such as pumpkin fritters. It’s also used in savory dishes, perfect for those cold fall days.
Read our full article to learn about this fall staple and its significance in Spain.

Pumpkins are the symbol of fall here and in the US. From Halloween through Thanksgiving, these large vegetables from the squash family take on many forms,

12/11/2024

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗙𝗙 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧: 𝗢𝗟𝗚𝗔
This month we are featuring our wonderful reservation manager, Olga! Her unique background, sweet personality, and attention to detail make her a perfect fit for our team. She speaks multiple languages and enjoys traveling and trying new restaurants in her free time. We are lucky to have her!
Read our full article about Olga on the blog to learn more.

Meet our wonderful reservation manager, Olga! Born and raised in Madrid, she decided to get her degree in tourism because she loves to travel and organize

08/11/2024

𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀𝗮 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗟𝘂𝘅𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁
Next week, our US marketing and sales rep, Samantha Coffey will be attending the Connections Luxury Event in West Hollywood. This event provides meaningful networking opportunities with other professionals in the luxury travel market. Valesa, along with other international suppliers, will get to meet leading luxury buyers from the US.
We are excited to be a part of this community, and we look forward to creating even more long-lasting business relationships! We hope to see you there!

In November, our US marketing and sales rep Samantha Coffey will be attending the Connections Luxury Community Event in West Hollywood. This event provides

05/11/2024

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻
We’d like to update you on the current crisis in Spain. On Tuesday, October 29th, unprecedented heavy rainfall took place across the eastern and southern regions, and it has continued to rain there throughout this past week. These severe rainstorms have caused flash flooding and extreme damage throughout the region.

It’s difficult to see our fellow citizens and neighbors going through such an unthinkable situation. We send our deepest condolences to those affected by this tragedy. Many people all over Spain have been donating supplies and food to those in need. There are also many generous volunteers that have been working tirelessly to provide help to their neighbors and clean up the debris. Through these events we have seen just how remarkable Spaniards are. Their solidarity, strength, selflessness and determination are truly inspiring.

Our hearts are with all of you during this difficult time.

We’d like to update you on the current crisis in Spain. On Tuesday, October 29th, unprecedented heavy rainfall took place across the eastern and southern

05/11/2024

𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧: 𝗕𝗨𝗥𝗚𝗢𝗦, 𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗡 | 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗦 & 𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗖
For history buffs and any curious traveler, Burgos is a splendid city full of interesting sights. Located north of Madrid, it is now accessible by high-speed train in just 1 hour and 40 minutes! It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the true culture of Spain. The emblematic Gothic Cathedral is stunning, while the nearby monasteries offer a glimpse into Spain’s past. Make sure to visit the UNESCO archaeological site of Atapuerca to delve into prehistory.
Head to our blog to learn more.

Located north of Madrid, this authentic small city is brimming with UNESCO World Heritage sites and medieval architecture, not to be missed. Here are our

31/10/2024

Happy Halloween from Team Valesitas!

30/10/2024

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗔 . . . Renee, thank you for sending this wonderful feedback to Nuria. We appreciate working with you and the Becky Lamb Travel team.

25/10/2024

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗰𝗼 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 | Check out a few recent pics from our Travel Experts FAM, and stay tuned for new Morocco experiences next month!

22/10/2024

𝗧𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗥𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦
Spain is known to produce some of the highest quality olive oil in the world, and is the world’s leading producer and exporter of this liquid gold. There are hundreds of varieties of olives grown throughout the country, each one with its own unique flavors and characteristics. Manzanilla is typical for snacking along with a beer, while Picual creates an olive oil that is full of flavor and personality.
Read our full article and reach out to Valesa if you’d like to book an immersive olive oil tasting experience.

October marks the start of the olive harvesting season. Spain is known to produce some of the highest quality olive oil in the world. In fact, it is the

17/10/2024

𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧: 𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗟 𝗧𝗢𝗪𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗡 𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗚𝗔𝗟
Apart from the exciting city of Porto and the Douro Valley wine region, northern Portugal is filled with treasures. Ponte de Lima, Braga, and Guimarães are hidden beauties waiting to be explored within in hour of Porto. Admire the stunning Bom Jesus Sanctuary, visit the oldest cathedral in Portugal, or savor the traditional cuisine. These towns offer a perfect blend of history, beauty, and culture that will please any traveler. Head to our blog to read more about what makes these places so special.

If you’re interested in visiting Portugal, surely Porto and the Douro Valley wine region are on your list. Aside from these must-see destinations, northern

15/10/2024

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗔
Thank you Jennifer, for sharing your client's feedback on their fantastic trip!

10/10/2024

𝗙𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗚𝗘: 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗖𝗢𝗖𝗞𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗟 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗦
Wine and beer form an integral part of the gastronomy and lifestyle in Spain and Portugal. However, sophisticated cocktail bars are becoming very popular too. If you’re looking for a fun education activity to add to your travel itinerary, a cocktail workshop is the perfect idea. You can create your own cocktails at one of Madrid’s oldest luxury hotels, or have a cocktail tasting experience at a gorgeous boutique hotel in Granada. Read our full article to learn about these creative and educational activities from Valesa’s 𝘍𝘶𝘯 𝘌𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.

Wine and beer form an integral part of the gastronomy and lifestyle in Spain and Portugal. However, there are also many great cocktails to be found throughout

08/10/2024

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗙𝗙 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧: 𝗝𝗘𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗙𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗬
Jennifer, our wonderful luxury travel manager, is our staff highlight this month! She grew up in Queens, NY and used to visit her grandparents’ family in northwestern Spain every summer. She has mastered the art of curating itineraries for our individual clients, and now she will be branching out to manage groups as well! Kind and hard-working, Jennifer will definitely excel in this new challenge. Her multicultural background and wine expertise make her an important part of the team!
Read our full article to learn more about Jennifer.

This month’s staff spotlight is one of our wonderful luxury travel managers at Valesa. Meet Jennifer, one of the Americans on our team and with us for about

03/10/2024

𝗧𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗗 𝗙𝗜𝗦𝗛 - 𝗔 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗘 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗖𝗬 𝗜𝗡 𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗡 & 𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗚𝗔𝗟
Canned seafood is a common staple in the Spanish and Portuguese diet. Contrary to what you may think, these products are extremely high in quality, flavorful and healthy, and they have achieved gourmet status. Spain and Portugal have an abundance of shellfish and canning is a way to preserve those fresh flavors of the sea. Tuna, scallops, mussels and sardines can be found packed in rich olive oil or other homemade sauces.
Try them with some crusty bread and you’ll never turn back!
Read our full article to learn more about this classic snack.

Throughout Spain and Portugal, it’s common to see canned foods on bar menus and in shops. Although many Americans may associate canned foods with poor quality

01/10/2024

𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧: 𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗬 𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗗𝗢 & 𝗟𝗘𝗢𝗡
Oviedo and León are two impressive Spanish cities that should not be missed and are more accessible than ever thanks to the High Speed train to Leon. Less touristy than other parts of Spain, these northern destinations offer a wealth of beauty, history and authenticity. Oviedo’s medieval old town and pre-Roman churches are sure to leave an impression. Don´t miss the delicious local cider and cheeses! In León, the 13th century Gothic Cathedral stuns visitors with its large, stained-glass windows and unique design.
Along with historic hotels and medieval plazas, these two destinations have plenty to offer and they deserve a spot on your next travel itinerary!
Ask your agent at Valesa to design your tailored trip up north including beautiful fishing villages, prehistoric caves and beautiful nature.

There are two impressive cities in northern Spain that tend to fly under the radar, but their wealth of history and beauty should not be missed. Oviedo and

30/09/2024

Four Seasons Mallorca

27/09/2024

Welcome to Portugal TRAVEL EXPERTS! Our team looks forward to meeting you today or very soon.

Thanks for joining our 50th year in Portugal 🇵🇹